Students' creative concepts for Christchurch

Design and Arts College of New Zealand’s (D&A) third year Architectural Design and Technology students are well equipped for what Mother Nature can throw at them. The 12 students who had their internships interrupted by the 7.1 September earthquake also had their final years work trapped in the red zone after February’s 6.3.

The Architecture industry is currently preparing to rebuild Christchurch. All eyes are looking toward the future as D&A’s 12 newest Architectural Design graduates enter the workforce. In spite of adversities, the students have worked night and day to complete their studies on time. Their final exhibition Revitalise is set to open on 9 June 2011. Creativity, talent and sheer determination are just a part of these students portfolio of expertise.

Revitalise will be a showcase of the third year students final year’s work – a brief which has become ever more relevant in the wake of recent events. Students were to design a hybrid building to boost our city’s image to a bustling metropolitan centre. The project integrates urban design, environmentally sustainable design and recent developments in materials and construction. Students will display renders, models, hand sketches and CAD draughting of their final designs.

“We hope to inspire some optimism after the recent earthquakes, giving Christchurch reason to be confident in the depth of skill and ability that the local architectural industry possesses” says graduating student Rob d’Auvergne.

The brief reflects that of the current scheme undertaken by the Christchurch City Council. The council’s revitalisation plans aim to create diversity in the city centre and identify mixed-use buildings as key.

“Our students are producing exceptional work, we're very proud of their efforts; they are showing the strength of character that adversity brings out in people” says Nigel Lamb, D&A’s Architectural Design Acting Programme Coordinator

D&A prides itself on providing industry relevant courses for those wanting to enter the creative industries. Industry relationships are key to D&A and their student’s education. D&A would like to thank their sponsors Watsons Auctions, Dulux, Winstones, James Hardie, Aikmans and Johnson and Couzins Hire Ltd for the support given to their students and this event.

This exciting event runs from opening night Thursday 9 June (5.30-8pm) and is open for the public on Friday 10 June (12-6pm) at Watsons Auctions, 2 Oxley Avenue, St Albans. Come along and view these newest Architectural Design graduates fresh and innovative ideas for a bigger and brighter Christchurch.